Jim Risch on Immigration

Republican Challenger; former Governor

No comprehensive legislation; no amnesty

Q: Would you vote for comprehensive immigration legislation that would secure the border, dramatically increase H-1B visas and provide a path to citizenship for those already in the
United States illegally?

A: No. Reform is necessary; however, I oppose amnesty in any form.

Source: BIPAC 2008 Senate Candidate Questionnaire
, Nov 1, 2008

Don’t allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship

Q: Do you support or oppose the policy: “Allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship”?

I oppose amnesty in any form

Ensure that only legal immigrants receive state benefits

Gov. Risch today directed state agencies to prevent illegal aliens from joining the state workforce. The order requires agencies to use a federal program called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE). “While the illegal immigration
problem will ultimately be resolved at the federal level, the state can partner with them and do what it can to ensure that only those who have entered our country legally can be a state employee or receive state benefits,” said Risch.